An analysis of the spatial pattern of distribution and dispersion of extraneous service units in the city using spatial analysis and spatial statistics capabilities in the ArcGIS environment (Case study: pharmacy units in the city of Ardabil)

Kouhi Heris, Abolfazl; Ghafari Gilandeh, Ata; Rahmati, Mansour

An analysis of the spatial pattern of distribution and dispersion of extraneous service units in the city using spatial analysis and spatial statistics capabilities in the ArcGIS environment (Case study: pharmacy units in the city of Ardabil)

Document Type : Article extracted from dissertations

Authors

Abolfazl Kouhi Heris ¹

Ata Ghafari Gilandeh ²

Mansour Rahmati ³

¹ MSc of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil

² Professor, Department of Geography and Urban and Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil

³ Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Urban and Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil

Abstract

Background and Objective: The spatial distribution of urban services and facilities, particularly in the field of health and healthcare, is a key issue in urban planning. Pharmacies, as critical units for providing medications and health services, must be spatially distributed in a way that ensures spatial justice and equitable access for all citizens. Therefore, both qualitative and quantitative assessments of land use within the city’s spatial structure and their locational suitability across defined zones are of great importance. In recent years, Ardabil has experienced rapid population growth and physical expansion, intensifying the need for the development and equitable distribution of pharmaceutical services. The aim of this study is to examine the pattern of distribution, spatial dispersion, and location allocation of pharmacies across the districts of Ardabil city using the capabilities and tools of ArcGIS.
Methodology: This research is descriptive-analytical in nature and the required data were collected through documentary and field methods. The statistical population includes all active pharmacies in the city of Ardabil. Considering the trans-neighborhood operation of pharmacies, the analyses were conducted at the scale of urban areas. To examine the spatial pattern of distribution and dispersion of pharmacies, several analytical capabilities were used in the ArcGIS environment; including hot spot analysis (Getis-Ord Gi) to identify statistically significant clusters*, Moran's spatial autocorrelation index (Moran's I) to measure the degree of spatial dependence, and nearest neighbor mean analysis to identify the type of cluster or dispersed pattern in the spatial distribution of pharmacies. Spatial data were collected using GPS and transferred to the ArcGIS environment via Google Earth. The simultaneous combination of these analytical tools along with the high accuracy of spatial data is the main innovation of this research compared to previous studies.
Results and Findings: In terms of quantity, District 2-1, with 57 pharmacies, represents the main concentration center of pharmacies in Ardabil, whereas Districts 2-3, 2-4, and 1-5 each have only one pharmacy. The results of Hot Spot analysis indicated high Z-values and a significant hot spot in District 2-1 with a 99% confidence level, while other districts did not exhibit similar patterns. The Moran’s I index (0.0808) suggests a random distribution pattern of pharmacies across the city districts. However, the average nearest neighbor ratio (0.49) indicates a clustered pattern in the spatial distribution of pharmacies within Ardabil. The study reveals a spatial concentration of pharmacies in certain districts of Ardabil, particularly in District 2-1, leading to unequal access across the city. Central districts benefit from better service coverage due to their proximity to healthcare centers, while peripheral areas face shortages. Although this clustering improves efficiency in some areas, it undermines spatial equity. The research highlights the need to revise location policies for pharmacies and calls for a more balanced distribution to enhance access, improve service efficiency, and promote equity in the urban health system.

Keywords

Spatial analysis

Geographic information system

Pharmacy

Ardabil city

Subjects

Urban Planning

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